Scallop, Weathervane – U.S. Alaska

The Weathervane Scallop is a large scallop, growing up to 25 cm in shell height, distributed from central California to Alaska. They grow fast and reach sexual maturity by 4 years.

Most Weathervane Scallops are caught in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea, where fishery management has established catch limits and regulations to control fishing pressure. Although abundance levels are uncertain, current catch levels appear sustainable.

Weathervane Scallops are captured using scallop dredges, which can cause substantial habitat damage. However, several regions have been closed to fishing to reduce habitat impacts.